New Hampshire Boating Education Law
For more information on the boating laws in the state of New Hampshire visit: www.wildlife.state.nh.us/outdoor_recreation/boating_in_nh.htm
- As of January 1, 2008, New Hampshire requires that all boat operators take and successfully pass a boating safety course approved by the New Hampshire Marine Patrol or a NASBLA approved course. Only approved courses will supply an official New Hampshire Safe Boater Education Certificate issued by the New Hampshire Department of Safety.
- As of January 1, 2007, the state of New Hampshire and on-water enforcement officers no longer recognize internet boating safety course certificates as proof of boater education. Only approved, proctored classroom courses qualify to meet the New Hampshire boater education requirements.
- The BoatU.S. Online Boating Safety Course does not meet this state’s boating education requirements.
- Operator Restrictions: New Hampshire has the following age and horsepower (hp.) restrictions:
- A vessel powered by a motor of 25 hp. or less may be operated by a person of any age. Operators are not required to possess a Safe Boater Education Certificate.
- No one under 16 years of age may operate a ski-craft or personal watercraft in New Hampshire.
- Boaters under 16 years of age are also prohibited from operating a boat with a motor greater than 25 hp., unless they are accompanied by an adult that is at least 18 years of age and who also possesses a Safe Boater Education Certificate. A person 16 years of age or older may operate alone only if he or she has obtained their Safe Boater Education Certificate according to the schedule below.
We provide this information as a service and strive to keep this website up to date. Please let us know of any inconsistencies by bringing them to our attention at once at onlinecourse@boatus.com. Resources for these pages include state statutes, state web pages and state approved boating guides. BoatU.S. is not responsible for any misinterpretation of the law or any change in the law that is not adequately reflected in these pages. Damages as a result of failing to abide by stated law shall not be the responsibility of BoatU.S., BoatU.S. Foundation or its employees.
